Winning Ways

Everett Alvarez High School junior Araceli Perez was selected as the winner of the National Steinbeck Center’s “Tell Us Your Story” contest.

In her winning story, Perez shared the gritty tale of her family’s migration from Mexico to the United States when she was 10 years old.

Perez’s essay was selected because it was a modern-day Joad family story. It followed the contest’s prompt to “tell a story from your family in which you faced a particularly challenging moment and how you got through it.” Although an English Language Learner writing in her second language, Perez told a powerful personal story in vivid detail that won the judges over.

Perez won an iPad Mini as part of her prize package, which also included a copy of the 75th anniversary re-issue edition of “The Grapes of Wrath.”

EDUCATION

Pelot receives bachelor degree, accepted into Ph.D program

Kyle Pelot of Salinas is receiving his bachelor of science degree from the University of California Davis with honors. His major is biotechnology with a plant emphasis.

Pelot has been accepted into the UC Davis Ph.D. program in plant biology with a specialization in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics.

He is a graduate of North Salinas High School 2010, and Hartnell College 2012.

Riemedio graduates from Mercyhurst University

Ryan Anthony Riemedio of Seaside has graduated from Mercyhurst University.

Mercyhurst University, founded in 1926 by the Sisters of Mercy, is a fully accredited, four-year, Catholic comprehensive institution in Erie, Pa.

Heather Adams receives degree from John Brown University

John Brown University has announced the graduation of Heather Grace Adams of Monterey.

Adams received awarded a bachelor of science in biology degree during commencement ceremonies on May 10 in Siloam Springs, Ark.

Local students named to dean’s list

Local students have been named to the Eastern New Mexico University Dean’s List for the spring 2014 semester.

Prunedale: Jessica Dobbins.

Salinas: Kristine-May Olivas and Kevin Roa.

NONPROFITS

Big Sur Land Trust acquires conservation easement on Vierra Ranch

The Big Sur Land Trust has announced the acquisition of a conservation easement on the 965 acre Vierra Ranch owned by Dr. Ron and Linda Stoney for $1 million.

The acquisition was made possible by a grant of $650,000 from the Wildlife Conservation Board, $75,000 from the Barnet Segal Foundation and the remaining funding from private donors.

The Stoneys donated more than $200,000 to this project by selling the easement for less than fair market value.

The ranch is located in the northern foothills of the Gabilan Mountain range, 6 miles north of Salinas. The 965-acre property exhibits natural resources with high conservation value and important opportunities to expand the Big Sur Land Trust’s community and conservation legacy. Nearly 400 acres of oak woodlands thrive there, interspersed with rolling grasslands, coastal scrub, intermittent streams and riparian forest. Nearly 2 miles of Gabilan Creek frontage comprise the southern border of the ranch. Gabilan Creek is a perennial stream which flows into the Monterey Bay and is recognized as a steelhead salmon spawning run by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop celebrates 25 years

The Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop is celebrating its 25-year anniversary on June 28.

The shop was opened in August 1989 at 26388 Carmel Rancho Lane in the Carmel Rancho Shopping Center.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 28 the shop will hold special events for its anniversary.

It is a Carmel Presbyterian Church outreach to Monterey County. Over the years, the shop has returned to the community nearly $5 million in the form of grants to more than 440 different Monterey charitable organizations as well as scholarships to students.

Boys and Girls Clubs honor service

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County will honor service to the club during its annual breakfast.

This year’s honorees for the Luis Perez Community Award for service are:

Community grants awardees are Carmel Valley Village Improvement Committee (CVVIC), Community Foundation for Monterey County for Fund for Homeless Women, Hope Center Monterey for the food pantry, Carmel Valley Community Youth Center (CVCYC), YWCA Monterey County for the Lawson Safe House-Domestic Violence Shelter for Women and Children, Friends of the Carmel Valley Library.